I have yet to meet a person who would consider himself a fool. In fact quite the opposite is true. Most would see themselves as wise and sagacious, with keen understanding and perception. The criteria though, often used for self-evaluation, tends to be subjective. So how should wisdom be evaluated? How would you know if you or others are wise? This blog will explore what it is not and leave what it is to the next blog.

The writer James poses a question. “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (James 3:13) There are two criteria which James uses as a basis for both wisdom and understanding.

The first criteria is this, “let him show from his good conduct his works” (13). Synonyms for the word “conduct” are behaviour, conversation, lifestyle. The word means “to turn back or turn away” from simply an outward show to a holistic reflection of life; spirit, soul and body.

The second criteria is to do the first “in meekness or humility of wisdom”. A wise person need not seek to impress. Others will both know and see within that person the qualities of wisdom and understanding.

So are there certain attitudinal behaviours that would not reflect wisdom and understanding? Clearly James believes so. “If you have bitter jealousy and self-seeking in your heart, do not boast against and lie against the truth” (14). Jealousy seeks to want the same as another has and self-seeking (ambition, rivalry, factious) will do everything in one’s power to get it, even if it is destructive to another. Truth unites. Jealousy and self-seeking divide. Both are issues of the heart, expressed in outward behaviour.

He further explains that this is not wisdom from above or wisdom from God but is earthly, soulish and demonic (15). Earthly in that it has nothing to do with God. Soulish in that it begins and ends with fallen human nature. Demonic in that it does not promote the causes of Christ but furthers the activities of the devil. Jesus taught that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). His goal is never to unite (except the forces of evil) but to divide and conquer. The writer of Proverbs is quite blunt on this point. “These six things the Lord hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue; hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that devises wicked plans; feet that are swift in running to evil; a false witness and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16).

So if this is what it is not, then what is it and how do you know if others or even yourself has wisdom? The writer of Proverbs again is quite expressive on this point, “Wisdom is the principle thing. Therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her and she will promote you. She will bring you honour when you embrace her” (4:7-8). So how do you get it? Stay tuned.

Blessings!